I like the truck they reviewed, but then I fell in love with the Speedway Blue color the first time I saw one in person.

While they seem overly critical (like they have a personal problem with Tacomas--maybe a rabid Frontier fan?), their conclusion is not something I disagree with:

the Tacoma needs an improved powertrain, better fuel economy and more refinement to provide truck buyers with a palatable alternative to today's half-ton pickups.

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If Toyota doesn't address at least those first two issues (I disagree with the third) I think they will see their competition, including full-size trucks, take away a lot of potential and current Tacoma owners. Look at the rumored Ecoboost F150...

It's the best mid sized truck (or at least better than the Colorado, Ranger, Dakota..). A lot of the things they pointed out (engine size, bed size, towing capacity, back seat room) are all compromises.... because it's a mid sized truck.

I will never tow more than 6500 pounds. I don't need a huge v8. I needed a truck with a smallish bed to haul *some* stuff. I needed something that is easy to park and fits in my garage. When I was shopping for trucks, not one half ton truck with a backseat would fit in my garage. I live in Suburbia not on a farm. I don't haul horses or large amounts of hay. Every now and then I haul 500 pounds of rock, mulch, etc. I wanted something with a small bed so I don't junk up the interior of an SUV. The Tacoma fits the bill as a mid sized truck.

A lot of people don't want or need a full size truck. The writer seemed to think people only choose mid sized trucks because they couldn't get a full size.

The article is right on with the pricing though. The Tacoma is over priced. But if Toyota can charge that much and still sell a bunch of Tacomas.... why not? Tacomas hold their value really well. I justified the higher price in my head since Tacomas are *known* for running forever. When I was shopping 8 months ago I really wanted a 2004 double cab TRD 4x4. I couldn't find one with under 100k miles for less than $20k within 300 miles of me. 2nd Gen's with under 50k miles were around $26/$27k.

I do agree with the article that the powertrain/engine is due for an update. Not that I really have any complaints about my 4.0 / 5spd auto combo. Seems like Toyota could have put the 4.0 from the 4runner in though.

I agree that the truck is overpriced, but it keeps selling, so that's capitalism in action.

I wouldn't mind the newer V6 power...

And, I do tend to think that a 60" rear is a tad small. Yeah, I have it, but I'd like it just a touch longer. The LB is a good length, but I think it's almost too long then in the wheelbase. I can't come up with a good compromise though!

I really (really) think that the scoop and short box is a bit funky. It looks good on some trucks (reds, blues and black), but I hated the way it looked on my silver (stubby all around). I'm glad I swapped hoods with another forum member.

What BS... They make a few valid points but for the most part this dude doesn't know shit. When I bought my first Taco in 08 I test drove every single thing on the market and nothing came even close to this truck. After owning it for 2 years I just bought a 2010 Sport about a week after my buddy bought a loaded Ranger. When I pull them next to eachother his truck looks like a baby. From the interior to the sheet metal IMO there is not a truck in its class that remotely compares.